Public Notice: Chinatown Safety Upgrades and City Council Schedule

Infrastructure Update: Chinatown Safe Routes to School Completion

The City of Oakland is pleased to announce the successful completion of major traffic safety and paving improvements along 10th Street in Chinatown. This project, finalized on February 25, 2026, aims to protect students and families traveling to Lincoln Elementary. Residents should note the following permanent changes to the traffic landscape:

• New Protected Intersections: A fully protected intersection has been installed at 10th and Jackson Streets to reduce vehicle-pedestrian conflicts.
• Pedestrian Safety Islands: Extensive curb extensions and islands are now active at 10th and Harrison Streets.
• School Loading Zones: An island-protected loading zone is now available in front of Lincoln Elementary for safer student drop-offs and pick-ups.
• Bicycle Infrastructure: The city has implemented its first angle-parking-protected bike lane on the 10th Street corridor.

Motorists are advised to exercise caution as community members adjust to these new configurations designed to reduce vehicle speeds in the high-injury network area.

Governance: City Council Committee Meetings

The Oakland City Council's Rules and Legislation Committee is scheduled to convene today, Thursday, February 26, 2026, at 10:30 AM. The meeting will be held in the City Council Chamber on the 3rd Floor of City Hall. Key items on the agenda include the scheduling of upcoming legislative items and review of city administrative reports. Residents may attend in person or view the broadcast via KTOP.

Health Advisory: Regional Measles and Respiratory Virus Vigilance

The Alameda County Public Health Department, in alignment with the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), has issued a renewed advisory regarding measles vigilance. Following reports of increased activity, healthcare providers are urged to maintain a high level of suspicion for measles in patients presenting with fever and rash. Additionally, the winter respiratory virus season remains active through March 31. Public health officials strongly recommend masking in high-risk patient care areas, including skilled nursing facilities and infusion centers, to combat the ongoing circulation of influenza and RSV.

Public Services: Mental Health Program Closures

Residents are advised that Alameda Health System has announced the scheduled closure of intensive outpatient mental health programs at Highland Hospital in Oakland and Fairmont Hospital in San Leandro. These closures are slated for March 9, 2026. The city and county are currently evaluating the impact on indigent populations with serious mental illness. Impacted patients should contact their primary care coordinators immediately to discuss alternative treatment plans and continuity of care.

Educational Alert: OUSD Budget and Staffing Notices

The Oakland Unified School District (OUSD) Board of Education has officially approved a fiscal roadmap to address a $100 million budget deficit. Following a decisive vote on February 25, the district will begin issuing layoff notices to approximately 400 staff members. These reductions, effective for the upcoming 2026-2027 school year, affect a variety of positions including counselors, social workers, and administrative support. District officials cite the need to avoid a state takeover as the primary driver for these emergency measures.